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Chapter 18~ New Victims or Winners ?

RITVIK'S POV

"Sir, the CEO of the UK branch is,

Miss. Kritika Kapadia." Kunal said to me while handing me the i-pad, where every detail of the HSR company has written.

I mean not every detail, but the details my baby wanted to show me indirectly. So I have to also pretend that I didn't even know anything except this.

"And what about the Delhi branch?" I asked with a hint of amusement, because even I am curious to know, what my baby had planned about her own branch to hide from me.

"Sir, her name is Miss. Anika." Kunal said while searching for her bio but couldn't find any and again said, "Sir, that's it. Now there is nothing about this Delhi branch." Kunal said in a worried voice.

I just smiled at his responsibility and then dismissed him from the meeting. I am feeling proud of my wife that as much she wants us about giving information, we can get that. Well played biwi ji. But the question is who is leading her tech department, who handled her tech so amazingly. But again my mind gave me the perfect answer, of course none other than her best friend aka my not so innocent sister.

I chuckled at myself while remembering their conversation on a phone call,

"pata hai tu latto hai mere bhai ke piche, ab kya unhe bhi yeh dikhana hai ki ab humari CEO bhi line maar rahi hai."

I was treated to a private conversation, courtesy of their forgotten unmute button. I couldn't help but chuckle at their antics and the heated discussion that ensued. But I guess they had patched their friendship up. It's a good thing that I didn't do any interruption otherwise now I will be thrown out of my own house.

I was engrossed in my thoughts while I got an appointment with my co-partner urf my lady. I laughed while looking at my phone that I have a meeting with the secretary of HSR Company and the secretary is Mrs. Ruhani Ritvik Agnihotri. Uhh, so my biwi ji wanted to play with me. Alright, go ahead.

Waise bhi jitna toh aapko hii hai, hum toh kab se aapke samne haar gaye the. Ab bass usi haar se aapke chere pe thodi si muskan laani hai.

I smiled at my inner self and went to the meeting to look after the presentation.

RUHANI'S POV

As I sat in Ritvik's cabin, waiting for him to finish his meeting, I was initially taken aback by the deference shown to me by the employees and receptionist. They bowed upon my arrival, and the gesture filled me with a sense of nostalgia. It then dawned on me that my husband must have shared the news of our marriage with them. I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride, knowing I was now a part of this world as HIS WIFE.

I wandered through my husband's cabin, feeling like I owned the place. I made my way to his chair, but something held me back. After all, I was here as a secretary of another company (according to him for now ; guilt ), not as his wife. So, I quietly continued on to the sofa, but just as I was about to sit down, suddenly,

"You owned everything, dear wifey. So please do honour this chair with your presence and make it worthy." I heard a deep and warm sweet voice, which can always make my heart flutter.

As I turned around, I accidentally collided with his chiseled chest, where a warm heartbeat awaited. Losing my balance, I stumbled, but my man instinctively wrapped his arms around me, holding me secure. And now, I'm safely ensconced in his embrace. I told you, he'd always catch me, no matter what. My trust in him is unwavering, surpassing even my own self-trust - he's my rock, my universe.

Our gazes intertwined, suspended in time for what felt like an eternity. I drank in every detail of his face, recommitting to memory the contours of his features, the sparkle in his eyes. I wanted to remind myself, again and again, of my incredible fortune - that I am the one cradled in his arms, enveloped in his warmth, and sheltered in his embrace.

I was so captivated, so lost by the gentle curves of his face and the softness of his expression that I lost all sense of time and space. Before I knew it, I had gently sunk into the plush seat, enveloped by the warmth of my husband's embrace. His arms, resting on the armrests, formed a cozy cage around me, holding me safe and secure.

With tender precision, he took his one finger and started caressing my cheeks to my neck slowly. He traced the curves of my neck and cheek line. His touch was so soft, so tender that as if I would shatter if he touched me a little harshly or anything ,.

But who is going to tell him that even if he were to shatter me with a hammer or cut me to pieces with a knife, I would still accept everything from him? For in my eyes, his actions are never wrong, simply because they come from him - the one who holds my heart, my life and my existence.

His face was just an inch apart from my face as our face so close to each other that we were feeling each other's every heart beat and breathing. But then I remembered I am here for work.

I opened my mouth to say but Ritvik placed his index finger on my mouth and said, "work can wait, but not these precious moments with my wife."

"But, sir. After the meeting, ma'am will ask me about your approval. And what will I say to her !" I murmured in between his index finger.

He looked at me with an unreadable expression and here gave his iconic smirk and said, "yes, you have to give a report to your ma'am. Sorry I had forgotten about this. After that I have to also meet with your ma'am." He said and got up from me, but I felt empty.

What the hell. Just listening to the CEO's name, I don't know what happened to him. But sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Pati dev ji that I am the CEO.

My mind was already messed up, I was looking at him with full anger and rage and.... Suddenly he looked at me and asked, "so, miss. Sorry.

Mrs. Secretary. Where is the presentation and idea about the meeting??"

"In my laptop, SIR." I said while gritting my teeth and showing him my laptop through my eyes.

He looked at my laptop with his not so smudgy innocent face and looked at the laptop then me.

"Am I going to stand like this, Mrs. Secretary?

Won't your CEO ma'am get angry that you made her partner wait so long ?" He asked while raising his left eyebrow with an innocent face.

But wait a second, how dare he call himself as her partner. I mean yes, he is her partner I mean mine. But what's with his , this type of acting !!

I suddenly stood up from his chair and gestured for him to sit on his hot seat. He sat on his chair. And I stood beside him to let him show the presentation.

Because now I am very much eager to let him know about my identity. I am eagerly waiting for the day, when he will get to know that the CEO is not other than his wife. And you will see what Ruhani Ritvik Agnihotri is. I was never desperate to tell anyone about my identity but now I am desperate, I am impatient to tell everyone, most importantly tell my husband that I am the one, whom he was looking for with this much desperation.

After calming my nerves, I opened my laptop and started to tell him about the project. But suddenly I was grabbed by him through my waist and now I am sitting on my husband, who is happening to the rival of my company and partner of my this project.

I turned back to look at him, but his face plastered with a cheeky smile. His smile was reaching his ear to ear. And I couldn't handle his this much cuteness, I just chuckled.

But then I remembered, I was here for work. God, coming here is my biggest mistake. Because we are doing everything except work. Why the hell did I tell him that I am the secretary. But wait a second, when did I tell him that I am secretary of HSR Company. I couldn't remember anything. Ughhhh....

I composed myself and looked at him with my fake anger eyes. He said, "continue baby. I am listening." He said with a cute pout while locking his both hands on my stomach. And how I am gonna focus on my work, when I am completely seating on him in this position.

"Sir, I need to complete my work. What are you doing?" I said with a low wishper as he has already started his work by nuzzling his face in the crook of my neck. This position is doing everything except focusing us in our work.

"Ritvik, please stop. What..." My voice came out as a moan, when he slipped his one hand inside my shirt and started licking my colourbone.

"What I am doing, baby. Continue your work. I am listening." His voice came out with a muffled voice from my neck and this sent a shivering electric jolt in my body.

"How I am going to focus, when you are ... Ahh...." My moaning voice got cut when he pinchen my stomach lightly and took some flesh of skin from my neck in his teeth, but didn't bite it.

"You can continue your work. And let me continue mine. Am I stopping you from your work !!" He said while licking my skin and looked at my eyes.

This gaze is so erotic, so intense that I can go on my knees for his, this look. But the time is not going on my knees.

"Ritvik, we are in your office. What if someone...." My voice again cut when he slowly moved his hand in my shirt and touched inside my bralette line.

As his rough hands glided inside my shirt, gentle caresses sent shivers down my spine. The tender touch of his tongue and lips was the perfect accompaniment, leaving me breathless. My desire raged like a wildfire, impossible to tame or shake.

Clutching his thigh for support, I felt my knees turn to jelly, my entire being threatening to melt into his embrace. And my core is nothing but felt like someone just ignited a desirable fire inside me. And the someone is none other than my husband.

But then, my eyes slowly opened and the laptop came in front my view. Who is begging for its attention as I am here because of work. Seeing my laptop I felt pity for the poor thing. So I tried (keyword - tried) my composure and started wiggle in his lap.

But he clutched me so tightly and said, "If you don't want me to fuck you on the desk, then go ahead, sweetheart. I have no problem as the corner of my office will feel pleased by your moans. They will witness their queen's satisfaction which will be given by me. Then go ahead, cherry." He said in his deep voice, while I felt something poking in me and I didn't take a second to understand what is it.

I couldn't meet his gaze. Blood was rushing to my cheek and I know by now my cheeks will be completely red looking like a tomato.

"You want to complete your work, then continue. And let me do mine. I am so professional, you know." He said in his calming voice in my ear and bit my earlobe.

And I know that there is no back up. So in this hard time, I started (tried) to explain everything while showing him the file with my half moaning and half muffling voice.

After a lot of tortuous time, lot of open mouth kisses and licking ; finally the meeting came to an end.

"This is it, sir. What is your opinion about this ?" I said while closing my laptop.

"As my wife says, umm. Mrs. Secretary says." He said while making his face out from my neck and again dipped his face in my neck.

Our intimate moment was abruptly shattered by a sharp knock at the door. I instinctively began to rise from Ritvik's lap, but he swiftly wrapped his arms around me, holding me firmly in place. His grip was unyielding, his fingers digging gently into my skin as he whispered, 'Stay.' His eyes locked onto mine, burning with a fierce intensity that left me breathless. I froze, my heart racing, as the knock came again, this time more insistent.

"'Come in,' Ritvik growled, his voice transforming into a deep, ominous tone that sent a shiver down my spine. It was a voice that commanded authority, yet simmered with irritation at the interruption. I was taken aback - I had never heard him speak like that before. For a moment, I was frozen, unsure how to react. I tried to extricate myself from our intimate position, but Ritvik's grip was unyielding, holding me firmly in place. I relinquished my efforts, curiosity getting the better of me as I wondered what was about to unfold.

Just then, a girl burst in, her high-pitched voice grating on my nerves as she chimed, 'Ritvik...' But her words trailed off abruptly as she took in the scene before her - me snugly seated in Ritvik's lap, our bodies entwined in a rather compromising position. The look on her face was priceless - her complexion drained of all colors, leaving her pale and stunned. I couldn't help but feel a thrill of satisfaction at her reaction. And then it hit me - wasn't she the same girl who'd been lurking outside Ritvik's meeting room, trying to catch his eye? I remembered seeing her earlier, but had deliberately ignored her, not wanting any distractions from my time with Ritvik.

"It's sir, Miss Nandita Chauhan,' Ritvik growled, his dark voice sending a shiver down my spine. 'So, complete your work and leave.' I couldn't help but feel a thrill at his commanding tone, perfectly suited for putting people like her in their place. With a deliberate flourish, I turned my attention to Ritvik's plan, tracing the lines with my fingers in a possessive caress. The message was clear: he's mine, and you'd do well to back off. The unspoken warning hung in the air, a subtle threat that I knew would not be lost on her.

What !! I can tell by a girl's intention just by looking the way she speaks and she walks. And how can I forget her dressing sense. Her outfit is nothing but a handkerchief which is barely covering her modesty. I couldn't understand the dressing sense of these girls. Office hai ya kotha. And it's making me quite sure that she was trying to act cute and trying to flirt with my man. Impress my foot, I will cut her in 108 pieces and dispose of them. As my babies don't deserve to eat this type of bitches.

(Author's note ~

Babies - two baby wolves ; according to Ruhani, But they are not babies)

I possessively placed Ritvik's hand on the table, my fingers tracing delicate circles on the back of his palm. My expression was a picture of innocence, but my touch conveyed a different message - one of subtle intimacy and possessiveness. And yet, I truly felt innocent, like I was simply cherishing a moment with the one I loved.

The girl approached the table, her movements deliberate, and placed the file in front of me. 'Sorry, Rit... Sorry, sir,' she said, her voice laced with a hint of flirtation. 'This is the final presentation of the project from our designing side.' She turned to leave, but just as she did, water suddenly spilled onto my lap, soaking my pants. The impeccable timing was almost comical and I couldn't help but chuckled at her absurdity of it all.

I gazed at her with a bored expression, unimpressed by her weak attempt at an apology. 'Sorry, Miss,' she stammered, trying to stifle a giggle. 'The water 'accidentally' fell on you by the file. Hope you don't mind."She batted her eyelashes, attempting to appear cute, but it only made me roll my eyes. Did she really think I was buying this act? Or was she just making a fool of herself?

"Devils, get ready for another one," I thought to myself, flashing her a fake smile. "Never mind," I said, my voice measured. "But let's get one thing straight - it's not Miss, it's Mrs. Ruhani Ritvik Agnihotri. Make sure to remember that next time." I kept my tone even, careful not to reveal my true self to Ritvik. For now, I'd let this girl think she's off the hook. But I'd deal with her later. Jaa jee le apni zindegi kuch chand lamho ke liye.

("Enjoy your life, if only for a few more moments,") I thought, my mind was already turning to the next move.

"'But I mind,' Ritvik growled, his eyes blazing. 'So, Miss Nandita Chauhan, consider this your final warning. There won't be a next time. I'll be speaking with your father, and I suggest you come prepared with your resignation letter. Now, GET OUT!' With a swift motion, he hurled the glass, its trajectory narrowly missing her face. Impressive, to say the least. My husband's fierce display left me breathless, and I couldn't help but think he deserved a reward - many kisses, cuddles, and hugs, in fact."

As Ritvik's voice washed over her, her body began to tremble, and she hastily fled the room, tears streaming down her face. Yet, despite the turmoil, there was a hint of satisfaction in the air."

As soon she existed from the cabin, Ritvik swiftly lifted me off his lap and began dabbing at my pants with tissues, his touch gentle yet efficient. Then, with a swift motion, he snagged his coat from the hanger and wrapped it around my waist, securing it with a firm tie. The soft fabric enveloped me, concealing the damp spot and restoring a semblance of order to my disheveled appearance. Ritvik's actions were economical and practical, yet somehow, the intimate gesture sent a flutter through my chest.

Just as I thought we were alone again, Ritvik's voice cut through the air, his tone icy and detached.

'Come in.' The door swung open, and his assistant Kunal entered, his eyes fixed on the iPad in his hand.

'Sir, you have an online meeting with Miss Kritika Kapadia,' he announced, his voice crisp and professional. But Ritvik remained unfazed, his attention still focused on securing the coat around my waist.

'You can go ahead with the meeting, Kunal,' he instructed, his voice smooth and unruffled. 'Apologize on my behalf, and inform Miss Kapadia that I'll be rescheduling with her boss instead. After all, my priority is right here,' he added, his gaze flicking to mine, a hint of possessiveness glinting in his eyes. I stared at him, shocked by his audacity, my heart racing with a mix of emotions.

"How did he know I was here? And what did he mean by 'the boss is here'?" I wondered, my mind racing with questions.

"Ritvik, UK is the main branch of HSR, so you should prioritize your meeting with Kritika... ma'am." I reminded him while stammering. But he remains unfazed about it and said, "my priority is always you. And about the meeting, Kunal will handle it. Okay cherry."

"'And about the CEO, don't worry. The CEO isn't in the UK. She's here,' Ritvik said, his fingers deftly securing the coat around my waist.

My eyes widened in shock, and I let out a stunned 'Heinn...' The implications swirled in my mind: 'here' meant...

'Arey, she's at the Delhi branch, na. No worries,' Ritvik said with a sly smile, his eyes glinting with amusement. He turned to Kunal, issuing instructions in a smooth, unhurried tone. 'And Kunal, buy me the entire collection of this outfit. Send them to our house. Alright? And I want one of the outfits delivered to me within 15 minutes. Quickly.' As soon as Ritvik finished speaking, Kunal hurried out of the room, saying 'Yes, sir.'"

As soon as Kunal exited, Ritvik swept me up in his arms, cradling me with ease, as if I weighed no more than a feather. He strode confidently towards the back of the cabin, stopping in front of a seemingly ordinary wall. But with a subtle touch of his finger on a hidden sensor, a section of the wall slid open, revealing a concealed door. The door blended so seamlessly into the surrounding paneling that it was nearly impossible to detect. Ritvik carried me through the threshold, and the door whispered shut behind us, enveloping us in a private, hidden world.

As we entered the room, the room was remarkably minimalist, yet breathtakingly beautiful. A perfectly sized bed, not a king size but ample for two, sat centrally, flanked by elegant table lamps that added an authentic touch. A sleek white mini sofa at the foot of the bed was the pièce de résistance. A compact wardrobe, cleverly attached to the wall, optimized space and enhanced the cozy ambiance. Overall, the room embodied the very definition of perfection."

When I was so lost in the admiration of the room , Ritvik swiftly placed me on the bed. I didn't notice Ritvik's gentle movements as he laid me down on the bed. 'You should change your clothes, otherwise you'll catch a cold, Cherry,' he said, his gaze sweeping over me from head to toe, a hint of concern etched on his face. But his words were eclipsed by a sudden realization - what was this new nickname, 'Cherry'? It was a term of endearment, intimate and playful, and it sent a flutter through my chest.

"Ritvik, how many names will you give me, huh?' I asked, standing up from the bed and placing my hands on my hips, a playful scowl on my face. 'And what's with this 'Cherry' name?' I added, raising an eyebrow. Ritvik's smile was sheepish, yet endearing, as he closed the gap between us. He slid his hands between my waist and hips, his fingers wrapping around me, and pulled me into a gentle, enveloping hug. I felt my heart skip a beat as he drew me in, his warmth and scent surrounding me, making my pulse flutter.

"I can give my wife as many names as I want, no problem, Biwi ji,' Ritvik said with a mischievous glint in his eye. 'And as for Cherry, when you blush, your cheeks transform from a delicate cherry blossom pink to a ripe cherry red. I couldn't resist giving them a name, and I must admit, I'm tempted to take a bite... whenever I want,' he added, his voice is low and husky. He flashed a roguish grin, and I raised an eyebrow, amused by his audacity. Ritvik's gaze locked onto mine, his expression turning playful. 'They're irresistible, Biwi ji. I lose all focus when your cheeks look so... edible.' He pouted, his eyes sparkling with mirth, and I melted once more. His gentleness and cuteness proved to be my undoing, and I couldn't help but chuckle at his antics.

Ritvik's lips brushed against my cheek in a gentle peck, sending a shiver down my spine. Just then, his phone beeped, and he glanced at the screen. 'Cherry, Kunal has brought your clothes. You can change here, okay? I'll send them in.' He handed me the phone, and I saw the message from Kunal. Ritvik's eyes locked onto mine, filled with concern. 'Don't catch a cold, okay? It won't be good for you... and I couldn't bear it.' His voice was low and husky, sending a flutter through my chest. He sealed his words with a soft kiss on my forehead, then turned to leave. As he stepped out of the room, I felt a pang of emptiness, missing his warm presence already.

A warm smile spread across my face as I basked in the glow of Ritvik's caring nature. His concern for my well-being filled me with a sense of happiness and pride, making my heart skip a beat. I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that I was the lucky one, now cherished and pampered by the man I loved. 'Cherry,' I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible, as I gazed at my reflection in the mirror. A soft blush crept up my cheeks, and I couldn't help but smile at the endearing nickname, feeling like the most loved and cherished person in the world.

After freshening up in the compact bathroom, I emerged to find Ritvik waiting with a thoughtful smile, holding out the clothes Kunal had brought. I slipped into the comfortable outfit, feeling refreshed and renewed.

As we made our way out of the cozy room, I couldn't help but feel a pang of reluctance. This serene space had been a tranquil oasis, sheltered from the chaos of the world.

I wished we had a tiny, secluded haven like this nestled in the mountains, far from the toxicity and worries of everyday life. As we departed, I cast a lingering glance at the room, committing its peaceful ambiance to memory. With a sense of wistfulness, I followed Ritvik out, knowing that wherever he was, that was home.

Together, we stepped into the bright moonlight, leaving the cozy room behind and made our way towards our house.

AUTHOR'S POV

"In the dimly lit, cramped house, the air was heavy with tension.

A man, his face etched with curiosity, asked a 14-15 year old boy, 'Why did you save me?'

The boy's gaze was vacant, his eyes devoid of emotion, as he stared at some point beyond the man. 'No reason,' he replied, his voice flat and detached. 'Just wanted to save you... so you'll owe me for your life.' His words dripped with a cold calculation, sending a shiver down the man's spine.

The man's eyes widened in shock, but as he processed the boy's words, a painful smile spread across his face, illuminated only by the faint moonlight filtering through the grimy windows. 'What do you want, boy?' the man asked, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and trepidation, as he too gazed up at the ceiling.

The boy's response was devoid of emotion, his tone icy. 'I'll do what you say, and you'll do what I say. That's it.' The man's gaze drifted to the floor, where scattered pencil drawings on crumpled papers seemed to whisper stories of their own. 'Don't you have any parents?' the man asked, his voice tinged with a deep sadness, as he took in the poignant scene before him."

"'I have to settle the score with them,' the boy said, his gaze fixed on a handmade portrait of a woman who is none other than the same woman, whom Priyanka tortured to death. ..

But unaware of everything the man looked away, his voice laced with despair. 'What could you possibly learn from me? I'm a loser.' The boy's response was unsettling. 'Don't you want revenge for your unborn child, for the love you lost?' The man's eyes snapped back to the boy, and in the dim moonlight, he saw a face that seemed devoid of emotion, yet hinted at a depth of feeling. The man's expression faltered, but he regained his composure. 'Don't worry, I won't betray your secrets,' the boy said, standing up from the wooden bed. 'Just help me find Ruhani. After that, we'll go our separate ways.'"

"The man's eyes widened in surprise as Ruhani's name escaped the boy's lips. He took a step back, his expression cautious. 'What do you want from her?' he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and wariness.

The boy's response was laced with a hint of venom. 'Enemy's enemy is a friend, right? I just want to give them a taste of their own medicine.'

The man's eyes narrowed, intrigued by the boy's conviction. 'Reaching her won't be easy,' he warned, but the boy's determination was palpable.
'That doesn't mean it's impossible,' he said, his voice steady and resolute. The man couldn't help but smile at the boy's unwavering resolve.

'What did you eat?' he asked, attempting to lighten the mood. The boy's response was stoic. 'Don't worry, I won't starve. Not until I've taken my revenge. So, will you help me reach her?

"'I'll help you, but first, we need to gain her trust. And for that, I need to gather evidence against someone... someone I don't even know,' the man said, rubbing his temples as if trying to ward off a headache.

The boy's determination was unwavering. 'I'll help you.'
'How?' the man asked, raising an eyebrow.

'They know you, but they don't know me,' the boy explained. 'Do what you need to, but help me get to her.' The man's gaze lingered on the boy, concern etched on his face.

'Kid, don't you want to study?' The boy's response was resolute, his voice tinged with a hint of pain. 'You don't need to worry about my education. After this exam, I'm dropping out... but that doesn't mean I'll stop learning. I'll continue, just not until I've taken revenge for my mother.' The boy's chest heaved with a painful breath, his eyes gleaming with a fierce determination.

'This world isn't for the weak,' the man said, his voice low and husky, as he gently stroked the boy's head. 'It's a promise: I'll help you become so strong that the world will tremble at the mention of your name.'

The boy's eyes locked onto the man's, a glimmer of hope flickering within them. 'That's all I needed,' he said, his voice barely above a whisper. 'Thanks.' With a newfound sense of determination, the boy stood up from the bed, his small frame squaring off as if ready to take on the world.

"As they stood up together, the man asked, 'Kid, what's your name?'

'Aryan. Aryan Ahuja,' the boy replied, his voice steady.

As they began to prepare dinner, an unspoken bond formed between them, forged from the depths of their emotional pain. Unknowingly, they were drawn to each other, connected by the shared understanding that this world was indeed unforgiving. The weak were exploited, their vulnerabilities seized upon without mercy.

As they worked in silence, the question lingered: what did the future hold for Aryan and his newfound ally? Would they become the next pawns in this ruthless game, or would they emerge victorious, their strength and resilience proving unbreakable?"

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